I arrived last night with our cameraman David to film the aerial shots that will be used in the programme. We’re staying in a bit of a dive of a hotel but at least the air-con is working, the heat and humidity is oppressive!
...Continue readingWendy and Robert Cooper found themselves landed with five Macaws after a boat smuggling exotic animals dropped anchor at St Georges in Grenada island and was promptly raided by customs and the GSPCA. Over 800 animals were on board that ship, confined in tiny cages, and as numerous wildlife institutions stepped in to take the best specimens for a ‘rescue operation’ five scraggly Macaws were left. Wendy got a call asking if she would take them on because no one else would have such wretched looking birds and that was 12 years ago.
...Continue readingThe flights are now all set for the first dec 30, 2014 – and I leave next Weds! Exciting start – I’m really going into the unknown and have no idea what to expect! Just got to wrap up a few bits at the clinic here in the UK and then it will be time to get organised and start thinking about putting meds and equipment together to take. From the two e-mails I’ve received from the vet at the charity we’re visiting in Malawi he’s a bit short of everything and overloaded with work! Can’t wait to get stuck in, sounds like a worthwhile mission.
...Continue readingFinally we are off. Hope all the development, research and prep work is going to pay off. What do I expect? We are going to film with animals … and Luke, so I guess I have to expect the unexpected.
...Continue readingFinally we’re off!! Malawi here we come! First shoot of many on what will be an epic series, I promise you… It will have you on the edge of your seats and there will be plenty of squeaky bum moments!
...Continue readingWe arrived in Lilongwe a day before Luke. We are ready to go, but twiddling our thumbs because the talent is not here. Nerve racking, just want get started.
...Continue readingThe flight to Malawi is tonight and I’m in the office prepping the kit. Had my rabies injection this morning so hopefully I’ll be frothing and barking like a mad dog in a few hours.
...Continue readingDario from KIDO called us up. A couple of pirates had brought him a Hawksbill Turtle which he was going to tag and did we want to come over and film it.
...Continue readingThe first proper day of filming and it now feels like we are getting in to the flow of things. The day began with rain (and a few bolts of lightning) lashing down everywhere. I didn’t realise that it rained so much in Africa. We were all a bit down in the morning;
...Continue readingMy 23-hour epic journey from the UK to Malawi is finally over; few issues with the bags as a touch over the weight limit and baggage allowance! Moment of confusion with the bags during transit, but made the connection with 1 minute to spare. Arrived, met the guys and promptly got lost driving around Lilongwe! Great to know we all have an instinctive sense of direction wherever we go… First impressions: great place, friendly people, doesn’t seem too poor in the city, but I suspect rural areas will be very different. Let’s get it in the bag.
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